In August 2015, John Cox was flying on a Monarch Airbus plane from Birmingham (United Kingdom) to Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt when he decided to dispose of his cigarette in the toilet’s bin. The result was a fire that caused the captain to issue a mayday call, and he nearly had to consider an emergency landing while crew members rushed to put out the flames. They struggled at first, but were helped by a passenger who had spent time in the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. It took two fire extinguishers and 4 liters of water to put the fire out.
The crew already had to put out another fire in another toilet just one hour into flight. After this first incident, the captain issued a strongly worded warning about the “moronic” conduct of smoking on board – but this warning was ignored by Cox and he has paid a hefty price.
In January of this year, Cox pleaded guilty at Birmingham Crown Court to arson and endangering lives, and he was jailed for four years and six months in January. However, the Court of Appeal decided that the sentence was too lenient and jailed Cox, 46, for nine years and six months.
When the plane landed in Egypt, Cox was detained by Egyptian authorities and was arrested on his return to the United Kingdom. He had been drinking before and during the flight, and was abusive and aggressive to his fellow passengers and crew.
Lady Justice Sharp declared: “The level of culpability and potential for harm is at the highest level. To throw a cigarette butt into a wastepaper bin without ensuring it is extinguished would show a high degree of recklessness. On an aircraft at 33,000 feet, the conduct comes perilously close to deliberate fire-setting.”
6 Unbelievable Record Breaking Natural Events
A rainstorm that lasts a million years or lethally dense fog - nature will always find a way to remind us of its power. Here are 6 such record breaking natural events.
Receptionist, You Must Come Quickly (Hilarious Joke)
A receptionist is alerted to the presence of a man outside the window of an old lady who's staying at the hotel. She goes to investigate the problem...
Hilarious: But Dad, I Have No Idea What to Do With Her
A newlywed couple are about to consummate their marriage as they're expected to, but neither of them have any idea what they're doing...
Want to Quit Smoking? These Great Tips Will Help!
If you're looking to give up smoking, then take a look at the 8 great tips in this video.
Neglecting to Clean These Items Can Be DANGEROUS
These items in your home have to be cleaned regularly. Otherwise, they can become a real fire hazard!
Pilot Explains How Anyone Can Land a Plane in an Emergency
An airline pilot explains whether it’s possible for an ordinary passenger to land a plane during an emergency.
This Amazing Maze Has Taken the Internet By Storm!
Watch this intriguing video which features a maze of marbles and magnets.
Here Are 10 Feel-Good News Stories That Deliver a Smile
Feeling down? Let these good news stories bring a smile to your face.
The Apollo Program: A History of Manned Space Missions
Only 12 men have ever stepped foot on the moon. Find out more about their successful moon landings here!
Watch This Couple Go Through 60 Years of Aging...
This young couple found out with some magical help from talented makeup artists. The results are remarkable, and the ending filled my eyes with tears.
GUIDE: 9 YouTube Channels for History Buffs!
Discover the past and enrich your knowledge with these captivating history channels on YouTube.
8 Honest-to-God Facts that Are Just too Weird to Believe
A list of bizarre yet true facts
Celebrities of the Past In the Most Fascinating Photos
These rare images capture celebrities, royalty and scientists as you've never seen them before. Be sure to check out this extended picture gallery.
Incredible Maps: The World of Second Languages!
We all know the main languages, but these maps of second languages really surprised me!
12 Vintage Christmas Songs That Still Warm Hearts
These classic Christmas songs capture the spirit of the season.
Do You Know The Origins of These Common Phrases?
There are many phrases that we use in English that we never give a second thought to. Here are 9 common phrases with rather sinister origins.
These Feel-Good Facts Warmed My Heart...
These feel-good facts would warm anyone's heart.
Let's Remember Matthew Perry by His Lovely Quotes
"Friends” star Matthew Perry has passed away. Here’s a look at some of his most memorable quotes.
Full Documentary: The Real Story of Thanksgiving
Discover the real history behind the most popular holiday in the USA, through this fascinating documentary, courtesy of the History Channel.
Benjamin Franklin's Wisdom Has Echoed Throughout the Ages
In addition to being one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin left many a thought to ponder. Here are 15 of his most famous quotes.
These Are the Most Famous Swords Ever Forged!
Check out 8 of the most legendary swords to have ever graced the field of battle!
A Few Things We Bet You Never Knew About the USA!
The USA is an enormous and diverse place, but when you look at it from a numerical point of view, things get even more curious. Take a look.
Nostalgia - '70s Teenagers Recalling the Good Times
These groovy 70's teenagers, now proud parents and grandparents, sit for a chat with their younger relatives to compare adolescence now and then.
10 World War I Inventions We Still Use Every Day
From trench coats, to pilates and blood banks, all of these 10 things we think of as very modern were actually conceived during WWI.
12 Freaky Photos of Olympians That Will Shock You
These surreal pictures of Olympians will make you see athletes in a different light.
Cities of Yesteryear: See the 1890s Come Alive!
It's incredible to have this look into yesteryear, and this compilation have some truly terrific sights to show you!
How Many of These Extraordinary History Facts Do You Know?
We bet that you didn't learn these history facts at school.
The Dark and Fascinating History of the Romanov Family
For more than three hundred years, the Romanov family had absolute power over Russia, this is their fascinating story.
Watch These Old Historical Photos Come Magically to Life
Russian animator Alexey Zakharov has managed to achieve something amazing: he animates old photos and turns them into film. You've got to see this.
13 of Napoleon Bonaparte's Most Famous Quotes
In this post, you'll find 13 of the French Emperor's most famous quotes, as well as more biographical information about the famous conqueror as you scroll down.
16 Really Weird Facts About Famous World Events
Some really weird things happened at the most famous events in world history. Here are 16 really weird facts about famous world events.
Enter Buster Keaton: The Founding Father of Visual Comedy
Discover more about the founding father of visual cinema, Buster Keaton.
Send Christmas Wishes to Your Friends This Festive Season
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Send this video to your closest and dearest friends to let them know that you're thinking of them.
11 Surprising Things You Never Knew About the Titanic
We bet you didn’t know these surprising facts about the Titanic!
From the Photo Albums of Very Famous People...
See how celebrities looked in their youth, in photos from their everyday life before fame.
17 Extremely Dangerous Foods That Could Kill You!
From toxic fish, to monkey brains, you'll be surprised at what some people would risk just for a taste of these dangerous "delicacies".
This Is Why Skyscrapers Are So Rare in European Cities
High rise buildings are not very common in Europe, and history has everything to do with it...
What Does the Color of an Egg Yolk Mean? Find Out Here!
Ever wondered what the color of an egg yolk says about the quality of the egg? If so, then wonder no more...
You Won't Believe What This Man Built in His Back Yard...
This man has created something amazing at his home that has immediately become my dream.
8 Incredible Historical Predictions that Actually Came True
Here, we present some truly remarkable fictional predictions made in history that actually turned out to be true.
25 Old Photos That Show How Different the World Used To Be
Check out this amazing collection of vintage pictures that show us how much the world around us has changed.
Genghis Khan: Brutal Mass Murderer, or Enlightened Ruler?
Genghis Khan is one of the most famed and feared names in history, but how did he become so great?
Meet the 13 Most Influential Japanese Gods and Goddesses
Today, we dive into the rich Japanese pantheon and take a look at some of their most iconic gods and goddesses.
This Brilliant Talk Taught Me to Let Go of My Delusions
Isaac Lidksy has had quite an amazing life of success, which he puts down to a stunning realization that blindness gave him. Watch. You won't be disappointed.
All Coffee Drinkers Should Know These 17 Facts
A lot of adults drink at least one cup of coffee each day, but very few actually know these facts about coffee.
Nostalgia in 4K: Fats Domino's 'Ain't That a Shame’
Experience the timeless musical magic of the legendary Fats Domino in stunning 4K resolution!
This is How You Can Tame Your Wandering Brain
External and internal distractions diminish our attention’s power, but some simple techniques can boost it. Find out more with this informative TED-Ed video.